WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS!
Seize the opportunity to free your muse and allow her take you on a magic carpet ride.
Henry David Thoreau said it best.
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”
THE CHALLENGE:
Write a one hundred word story that has a beginning, middle and end. (No one will be ostracized for going a few words over the count.)
THE KEY:
MAKE. EVERY. WORD. COUNT.
THE RULES:
- Copy your URL to the Linkz collection. You’ll find the tab following the photo prompt. It’s the little white box to the left with the blue froggy guy. Click on it and follow directions. This is the best way to get the most reads and comments.
- MAKE SURE YOUR LINK IS SPECIFIC TO YOUR FLASH.
- While our name implies “fiction only” it’s perfectly Kosher to write a non-fiction piece as long as it meets the challenge of being a complete story in 100 words.
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TO THOSE WRITING HISTORICAL FICTION (MYSELF INCLUDED): While WIKIPEDIA is usually a decent source of information, it’s not always reliable one. As a rule, I use it as a jumping off point to other research threads. It’s a good rule of thumb to use more than one source. I speak from experience when I say that a simple 100 word story can bring serious repercussions.
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- ***PLEASE MAKE NOTE IN YOUR BLOG IF YOU PREFER NOT TO RECEIVE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM.***
- REMINDER: This page is “FRIDAY FICTIONEERS CENTRAL” and is NOT the place to promote political or religious views. Also, you are responsible for the content of your story and policing comments on your blog. You have the right to delete any you consider offensive.
**Please exercise DISCRETION when commenting on a story! Be RESPECTFUL.**
Should someone have severe or hostile differences of opinion with another person it’s my hope that the involved parties would settle their disputes in private.
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My story follows the photo and link tool. I enjoy honest comments and welcome constructive criticism.
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Genre: Historical Fiction
- Word Count: 100
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DATE WITH DESTINY
I chew on a date, savor its sweetness and spit the seed into my hand. The Romans will soon be upon us like ravenous hyenas.
Perhaps someone will plant this seed and a date-palm will spread its leaves in our memory.
“Amrit, my beloved, it’s time.” Yonah unsheathes his sword.
“Aim true, husband. Be swift.”
I drop the seed into a jar, utter a prayer and gather my infant son to my breast. His mouth is moist and warm as my life flows into his. I focus on his innocent eyes and wait for Yonah’s blade to set us free.
- For the story that inspired this story click here.
You are a day early
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Yes, I see that. Although I’m not sure I can take it back now. Actually I’d have to delete the whole thing and repost. Sooooo..consider this a gift.
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🙂 Gives me an extra day to think of what Raynard is going to do next 😉
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Rochelle,
that’s very cool, about the date pit sprouting. As soon as I read your story, I thought about Massada. I can’t imagine what that must have been like to be there. Still, the date pit is like a symbol of hope or at least rebirth. You caught me by surprise but now I’ve got the Fictioneer engines working, coming up with a story. 🙂
-David
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Dear David,
Sorry to throw you off, David. It’s kind of thrown me off, too. I write and schedule ahead to preserve my own sanity. Apparently I hit the wrong date in the schedule. So, as I told Al earlier, consider it a gift of an extra day.
Glad you liked my story. I, too, see the date pit as a symbol of hope.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I don’t mind, Rochelle. I’ve just finished my story actually. 🙂 I don’t blame you for scheduling them ahead of time. I appreciate everything you do for this group.
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Hi Rochelle, I so got the ominous fear of the Romans and the hope of freedom from the husband. Very well done.
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Dear Michael,
If you know the history of Masada, there was only one way out for them.
Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Great story, title and all. You pack a lot into your tales. Centuries, centurions, Chopin… Oh, wait…never mi……jorca.
Don’t think for a minute that a little writer’s block can stop you. There is no writer’s block.
Aloha,
Doug
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Dear Doug
Thank you for coming by and walking around the block with me. Your support and friendship are appreciated more than I can say.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I didn’t realise this was earlier until Al pointed it out, but it’s a fantastic prompt this week and a I love your response. I’m always a sucker for something historical fictiony.
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Dear Carol,
Anytime I can use history I do. Love it. Thank you for your understanding and comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Two excellent stories – your fiction and the real one behind it. One thing puzzles me, though – the text states that the pits were fossilised, but surely a fossil cannot sprout?
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Dear Liz,
I can’t answer that one. All I know is that it did sprout. Fascinating, isn’t it?
Thank you for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’ve captured so much in this short piece! What a sad sad story. I love her strength in thinking about what promise the future can bring, even if she is not a part of it. A powerful piece.
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Dear Jessie,
Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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First, I got paid a day early. Then FF is a day early. I had to physically check the calendar to make sure it was Tuesday. 🙂
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Mia culpa. I must’ve looked at the calendar cross-eyed when I scheduled. Sorry.
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No worries! It’s a lovely early present. 🙂
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The story is devastating but beautiful. Their love for each other is evident and makes it possible for them to accept what must be done.
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Dear Siobhán,
I can’t imagine what it took for them to do this. Thank you for your sweet compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A very dramatic and moving story Rochelle, and a bit of extra knowledge thrown in as well. I always appreciate visiting your site.
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Dear Sandra,
As with many of my historical fictions, I learn so much in following the research trail. I’m happy to pass it along. Thank you for your warming words.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for the fine moving story Rochelle,and the link. Again you gave me something new to read.
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Dear Indira,
My pleasure. Glad you liked and thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’ve impressed me with your depth and versatility, Rochelle. Sad tale, but told well.
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Thank you, Gina. 😀
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So sad, yet so powerful. I read on to the link you included and then understood. Massada is one of the most famous fortresses in history. Such brave people guarded it. I love the pictures of Methuselah and the one of you at Massada. That must have been a fabulous moment for you. Great story as always, Rochelle. Love the informative links too.
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Dear Eric,
The history of Masada is a sad one that has always resonated with me. Finding Methuselah in the my research path was exciting. Standing there on the site was a one of those lifetime pinnacles. In fact the whole tour was. My favorite part was praying at the Wall.
Thank you for commenting. I’m happy you liked it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Perfect story for Masada and if the metaphor goes on, for many other situations and times. This story is so you. 🙂
janet
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Dear Janet,
I was thrilled to find Methuselah in my research thread. Glad it worked for you, too. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a tragic and inspirational story – nothing is greater than the power of love.
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Dear Jennie,
Unfortunately, in this case, the power of love was also the power of death. Thank you for your comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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True, but their love for each other and God made sure that seed could still sprout…maybe it’s more about the power of God’s love…
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I can’t argue with that. 😉
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Masada…what a tragic story in Israel’s history…but I suppose it was better than the alternative.
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Dear Bryan
For the women I’m sure it was a better alternative. The Romans were notorious for ravaging them. It would’ve been a tough decision. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Now Rochelle you have furthered my feeling of being stuck in a timewarp by posting a day early. Oy! I suppose it is good to keep us all on our toes.
Though melancholy I loved this story. She is so brave. And this story is full of love. The idea that her lips were the last to touch the date pit is fantastic. No wonder the dates were known to have medicinal powers. I see a sci-fi spin off where they extract her DNA from the plant. hmmm…I digress. Great story.
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Dear Dana,
Never thought about this as sci-fi…hm. 😉 But the sprouting of the 2,000 year old pit intrigued me. Glad my story worked.
As for your time warp, I humbly apologize. It was a date error in my scheduling ahead. It threw me off as much as anyone. I’m on the last two days of working a 9 day stretch and Monday I kept thinking it was Tuesday. So it didn’t help when I woke to find 3 likes on my 28 March story. What the…?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Apparently we all needed a wake up call. And you cosmically delivered it. 🙂
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I thought the photo prompt was you standing in a hero pose by the railings with the excavations in the background. I either had a jumper or superhero story lined up. Or possibly a combination of both. Ah well, time to wheel out invasion of the lizard people instead!!!
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Dear Weltchy,
I thought that photo was far enough down that it wouldn’t be taken as the prompt. 😉 At any rate, I hope you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I did indeed. I suspect your story had a subconscious influence on the direction that my story took.
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😀
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I panicked when I saw this post.lol i’m supposed to be in a certain place this Wednesday. whew.
i’m going back to bed.. but not before telling you that i love your photo.
your story gave me chills… so sad and powerful.
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Dear KZ,
Sorry to cause you undue alarm. Hope you were able to get back to sleep. I’ll try not to let this happen again. 😉
Thank you for commenting on my story a day early. He he. Glad you liked it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I loved the photo and the story that accompanied it 🙂 seems befitting and I can just imagine ravenous hyenas (I mean Romans) 🙂 making their way through branches that look like an a natural obstacle course. Well done.
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Dear Amanda,
I hadn’t thought about the twisted trees being the Romans. Actually I just started searching for famous trees and came up with Methuselah. Glad you liked. Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Poignant story, Rochelle, and a lovely backstory. Life always finds a way….
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Dear Jan,
I often wonder what I’d do in a similar situation. Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful story this week, Rochelle. Nicely woven.
I’m actually glad you posted a day early because this gives me sometime to concoct my own tale during the busy week I have ahead.
All my best,
Marie Gail
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Dear Marie Gail,
I’m glad that the extra day worked for you. Totally threw me off. My busy week is over this afternoon. 😉
Thank you for the compliments on my story. Always nice to read.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Great story. I bet this happened with one of those old 2,000 year old seeds. Good job with the prompt and I love the picture. Thanks, Nan 🙂
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Dear Nan,
It’s exactly what happened with a 2,000 year old seed. 😉 Glad you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story and thorough information as well. I was surprised as well about the prompt being a day early, but it doesn’t matter. As you say, it gives us extra time.
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Dear Patricia,
I’ll be sure to pay better attention to the schedule date from now on. On the other hand, it’s given us all something else to talk about. 😉
Glad you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah… what a sad story.. and what an explanation for the old date…. I did send a tweet to John and telling him his pic is online… Hope he will get back and write… (he just recently started tweeting again after a long absence)… Now this one I will have to ponder.
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Dear Björn,
I do miss John, both his writing and stellar illustrations.
Glad you liked and commented on my story. The true stories are the saddest ones, aren’t they?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Indeed – just read the bell jar – and with the knowledge of the back story made it even sadder
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Thanks for not deleting me while I was away! 🙂
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Never! 😀
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That is good, Rochelle. The image it leaves on the brain sends shivers down my spine. Yes, it’s definitely good to be back home!
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Dear Faithsfire,
Compliments don’t get much better than this. Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Good inspiration. If it had been me, I would rather the date be poison-laced. Or, at least, a Teflon blade for a smoother, less irritating cut.
I like that picture. I never knew you had that one taken. We had a BLAST on that trip, didn’t we?
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Dear Kent,
I don’t think Teflon was readily available at Masada. Poison-laced date would’ve been a possibility.
That trip went beyond a blast. I thought you took that picture. Hm. Maybe not.
Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m sure I took that picture, too. Just too hot a day to think about anything else that time. Whew! Was it HOT!
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That I remember in heated detail.
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What an interesting history about something so simple as a date! I really enjoyed that link, and I’m still just in awe of the spectacular revelations we can find by using carbon dating! I sincerely admire your talent to incorporate history into such emotionally rich stories!
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Dear Adelie,
I love to learn things and then pass them on. Thank you for your compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I always enjoy your spins on history. Another fascinating bit of flash
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Thank you, Carrie. 😉
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This is a wonderful story — told so well like only you can say it, Rochelle! (And what a great picture of you btw). I guess we can live on in plants. I’ve always wanted to knock on the door where my grandparents lived and get clippings from the plants my grandfather planted — maybe someday I will.
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Dear Linda,
Glad you liked my story and happy to see you here this week. I’ve been missing you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story i knew nothing about before. Thanks Rochelle.
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Dear Dawn,
Always happy to pass new knowledge along. I knew about Masada but didn’t know about the date palm. One of those happy research discoveries. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh Rochelle, maybe I am feeling unduly sensitive today, but your story made me cry. I was afraid to click on the link in case it gave me even more of the same, but I’m glad I did. Reading the link story wasn’t just interesting in its own right, it also went on to show just how incredible your imagination is – to get this from that.
I can’t type any more, I’m still reeling.
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Dear Jennifer,
We’re even. Your comments have me reeling. So I’ll leave it at thank you so much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
The retelling of the massacre at Massada always makes me tearful, but what a great take on the prompt; rebirth out of madness and destruction, well done.
Take care
Dee
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Dear Dee,
I’ve always been intrigued and chilled by Massada. Being there amid the ruins brought it home in a tangible way. Then to find the story of the date pit was too good not to write about. Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Hauntingly beautiful and so sad. Clearly, your words move us all, Rochelle. I love the bit about the mother locking eyes – and breath – with her child. Isn’t that the universal closeness a mother feels? Awesome!
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Dear Judah,
Thank you for your kind words. I agree about the universal closeness of mother and child. And how well I remember those intimate feeding times with my babies. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And i! 😀 Good memories, those.
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A very sad and moving story, with a bit of hope that the seed will sprout in the future.
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Thank you, Ali.
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This is one to remember. But seeds are hope of new life.
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Dear Jackie,
That’s my story in a nutshell…okay..in a date pit. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I always find the story of Masada very moving… it also reminds me of the story of the Cathars at Montsegur.. the story of the date was wonderful… had n’t heard that before – fascinating little vignette of history, Rochelle, beautifully told as ever
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Dear Valerie,
It was thrilling to find the story of the date along my research path. Glad you enjoyed it, too. I didn’t know the story of the Cathars. So I’ve learned something from your comment. Thank you on all counts.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Poignant and well written
Thanks Rochelle
Regards
Jim
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Dear Jim,
Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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well done. it may not look it but your story gave me an idea what to write this week. 🙂
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thank you, plaridel. happy to inspire.
shalom,
rochelle
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i have watched documentaries and read of what happened at massada. your words capture it so well! and the picture of the ruins gave me an idea to write a poem about it. i’ll put it on my site in a few 🙂
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Dear Shad,
Let me know when it does. Thank you for your kind words on my story.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle,
It is up.
http://scrbwly.wordpress.com/2014/03/30/poetry-masada-scribes-lament/
Thank you,
Shaddie
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Such a moving story Rochelle and that link is equally amazing.
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Thank you, Subroto. 😉
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Profound truth of life-every end can be a new beginning if only we believe and act accordingly!Loved it Rochelle-as always your story made me “feel” 🙂 Apologies for the late visit this week-haven’t yet started reading but am a little upset with my blood tests showing a lot of unwanted “peaks”-now to get the house-oops I mean body in order-sigh!Hope you are doing well ,love xx
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Dear Atreyee,
Sorry to hear about your blood tests. Hope things level out for you. You really aren’t late. And I was rather early this week. 😉 It’s the highest of compliments for an author to know the reader felt something. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you for your wishes Rochelle-have been missing in action on the blog world as my energy level is very low and am getting tired easily-it will take some time to get back to some semblance of normalcy.I am not sure if this week I will be able to join FF,for if I submit and people are kind enough to come by to read and leave comments,I feel it will be unfair on my part not to be able to return the favour-am not sure what I should do-am still catching up om last week’s comments-could not visit everyone last week too 😦 You tc and hope to see you soon,love
atreyee
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Ah, so sad. I was thinking about it for some time after. Poignant is the only word and somebody else already said it 🙂
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Dear Sorchia,
Your words will also stick with me. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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most sad, but at least they were going to a better place.
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Dear Rich,
I think so. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Shalom,
Redwood.
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I’ve always loved being educated by a story rather than a list of “dry facts”, and yours does the trick, as usual. Great stuff, Rochelle. 🙂
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Dear Joanna,
Nice of you to say so. It’s sometimes hard to remember that those who lived so long ago were breathing, feeling humans with emotions and fears just like us. Writing them brings that fact home to me. I’m pleased it worked for you, too.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Always inspiring and educational. I’ve missed your stories too!!!
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Dear EL,
It’s nice to be missed. 😉 So happy to have you back. Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear C’est laVie,
Once again, you make history up close and personal. Serving up flesh and blood people and putting us right next to them to experience the anguish of their situation–and the eternal hope. Well done.
Robin Hood(winked)
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Dear Robin,
Anytime I can dish it up I will. 😉 Thank you for the kind words and support.
Shalom,
C’est la Vie
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This is a powerful story. It really engages the emotions. Well done I really like this.
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Dear Lewis,
Many thanks. I’m happy to have engaged.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a sad tale of a mother’s love at the end.
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Dear Joe,
Even after writing this one, I can’t imagine being in that situation. Even worse for Yonah to have to murder his wife and son before committing suicide. Thank you for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Only the realities of worse fates kept them from life. It is even more chilling to think of those realities than the deaths themselves.
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What a sad story. Rather powerful; like something from the bible.
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Dear Patrick,
Pretty close to the Bible. Thank you for your kind words.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle,
I feel like the characters in your story are empowered, because they took action in a courageous, if sad, way. It’s powerful because I’m sure this has really happened many times and it’s a good reminder of what a great thing it is to live in a peaceful and orderly society. You story made me think about that and appreciate it. Ron
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Dear Ron,
One of my earliest remembrances of learning about Masada was a photo of the bones of a mother and child, her skeletal arm still around it. I had them in mind in writing this story. Thank you for your encouraging words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Strength, such strength here. Better to die by your own sword in this situation, I think. How terrible for the husband and father to have to do this…
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Dear Freya,
A tough situation to be in. I can’t imagine it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Chilling!
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Thanks, BA. 😉
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This piece is so poetic, it’s beautiful. I love this, “His mouth is moist and warm as my life flows into his.” It’s so nurturing and just mwah! I have no words. Such rich language, Rochelle. Really well done!
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Dear Amy,
For someone with no words you express yourself well. 😉 Thank you so much for this.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful tale of familial love and sacrifice. It unfurled before my eyes as I read the words…the final ones catching my breath and tugging at my mother’s heart. hugs…
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Dear Millie,
I’ll not add to your lovely comments anything other than thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You always serve up the most haunting bits of history as if they are still steaming hot. My heart was in my throat for the whole story.
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Dear Helena,
You couldn’t have served up a better praise flambe. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, as usual your stories always amaze me. I’m hoping to try and hit the link and read the backstory, but I have limited Wi-Fi right now. However, this story of ancient struggle is really beautiful! Final paragraph, is deeply moving; one that I can totally relate to as a mother. Nicely done!
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Dear Dawn,
Truly I look forward to your comments. I understand the limitations of Wi-Fi and trying to comment from a phone. I thought you would relate to this one in particular so, yeah…I fished a little. Thank you. When you have the time and the wherefore I’ll be interested to get your feedback on the link. It was a tremendous find on the research path. Have a great trip.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
The only thing better than the research you shared about modern propagation of the Judean date is your story. Amrit, Yonah, and their baby’s story is so authentic and touching (and, as others have said, it is very relatable, especially to mothers). I had no idea hyenas were around in Judea (or in Scriptures of the time); thank you for that initial nugget of information!
Happy writing and take care,
Leigh
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Dear Leigh,
“Hyenas will howl in their fortified towers And jackals in their luxurious palaces. Her fateful time also will soon come And her days will not be prolonged.” Isaiah 13.22 NASB
Masada has long been a fascination of mine and when I found the date in my research thread I was off and running. I’m glad it worked.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you for the addenda, Rochelle. I was reading about how there was some confusion/debate as to hyena meaning “striped bird” in certain (I suppose translations) Scriptures, so this is great to know. Beautiful metaphors/allusions in the “original” that you quote here [is it referring to the fall of Rome–“her days will not be prolonged”?]. Shalom!
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your story is amazing and also that the date seed actually sprouted! a real heirloom seed for sure and a great sign of hope. 🙂
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Dear Sun,
Thank you for your glowing words. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A heroic tale of courage and sacrifice. Great work!
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Dear Joyful,
I can’t imagine making such a sacrifice. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a wonderful story before I clicked the link and read about 2000 year old date pips germinating. Lovely image of her life flowing into his. Hope this ended well for all of them.
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Dear Sarah,
Thank you for your lovely comments. I’m afraid it didn’t end well for Masada.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well written Rochelle. I like the use of the date as a symbol of the cycle of life and death.
It seems I was too busy earlier in the cycle and missed the prompt and adding to the linkz! Ah well here is my story for any that might like!
http://merlinspielen.com/2014/04/02/ff-sugar-shack/
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Dear Merlin,
And I posted a day early. Well, that was an accident in scheduling. Thank you for your comments. I’m glad you liked my ‘date with destiny.’
Apparently I missed reading and commenting on a few stories last week, so going to read yours now.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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